Arturo Somohano

• Name — Arturo Somohano Portela • Born — September 1, 1910 • Birthplace — San Juan, Puerto Rico • Died — March 23, 1977 • Place of death — Hato Rey, Puerto Rico • Genre — Classical music • Occupation — Director of the San Juan Symphony Orchestra

Somohano, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, had always been musically inclined and as a young child had learned to play the piano. He loved classical music and when he learned musical composition and harmony at the Fransician Chapel, he felt inspired to write music in a classical style.

Upon the outbreak of World War II, Somohano entertained U.S. Army troops by playing the piano and directing concerts at various military bases. His composition, "Canciones de las Americas" (Songs of the Americas), became an iconic anthem in the Army. After the war, Somohano returned to Puerto Rico, where he founded and directed the San Juan Symphony Orchestra and the Puerto Rico Philharmonic Orchestra. During this period, he also spearheaded the reconstruction of the Tapia Theater in San Juan, which was in a state of disrepair. By 1958, as Somohano's reputation as a conductor grew, so did the overseas demand for his services as an orchestra conductor. He did two tours which included presentations in Spain, Germany, and the United States. Somohano celebrated his 100th concert as director in the 1960s in Madrid, Spain. He was granted the Order of Isabella the Catholic by the Spanish Parliament and was named Honorary Conductor of the Madrid Symphony Orchestra. On January 13, 1969, Somohano was sworn in as an Assembly Member of the City of San Juan.

• Illustration — alt=Granite statue of Arturo Somohano Statue of Arturo Somohano at the plaza, which is named in his honor